Don't forget to wear your masks and maintain social distance.
This is the latest appeal of Malacañang to people planning to travel during the Holy Week break in a bid to prevent the further spread of the new coronavirus disease in the country.
With the forthcoming holidays, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reminded travelers to observe health protocols in public transportation to avoid getting infected. The Holy Week begins March 28, leading up to Easter Sunday.
"Nagpaalala na po si Secretary Tugade na kinakailangan ipatupad to the letter iyong ating mga health protocols sa pampublikong transportasyon ‘no, iyong seven commandments na tinatawag (Secretary Tugade has reminded that the health protocols in public transportation, particularly the seven commandments, must be implemented to the letter)," Roque said during a virtual press briefing Tuesday, March 16.
Roque said these health protocols, including the proper wearing of face masks and shields, have been considered "tried and tested" tools to help prevent getting the COVID-19.
The "seven commandments" endorsed by the DOTr for all forms of public transportation are the following:.
- Wearing of proper face masks
- Wearing of face shields
- No talking and no eating
- Adequate ventilation
- Frequent and proper disinfection
- No symptomatic passengers
- Appropriate physical distancing
Citing Dr. Edsel Salvana of the Department of Health's technical advisory group, Roque said the wearing of face shield and masks was equivalent to getting vaccinated at this time.
Since December 2020, the government required people leaving their homes to wear a face shield on top of a mask. Mask wearing was made mandatory since April last year.
"Well, iyan lang po talaga ang ating mga tried and tested na sandata laban sa COVID-19 (These are the tried and tested weapons against COVID-19)," Roque said.